Axios D.C.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser joined more than 40 mayors from across the country to call on the U.S. State Department last week to speed up the visitor visa process for would-be international travelers.

Why it matters: The delays may lead to more than 2.5 million people forgoing their trips to the United States in 2023, totaling some $7 billion in lost revenue for local economies, according to the U.S. Travel Association, writes Axios' Nick Bastone.

• Long wait times can also lead to people missing out on important life events, like a graduation or birth of a child.

What they're saying: "These delays are essentially a travel ban — no one is going to wait 1-2 years to interview with a U.S. government official to gain permission to visit the United States," U.S. Travel Association CEO Geoff Freeman told Axios in an email.

• "Millions of potential visitors will simply choose other destinations — destinations that are effectively competing for their business."

Details: The mayors say that by April they want visa processing to be under 21 days for people from "top countries for inbound travel." And the hope is that by September the interview wait time for 80% of applicants globally is three weeks or less.

• The mayors also asked the State Department to increase staffing at consulates with a high volume of applicants and extend interview waivers for renewals deemed "low risk."

By the numbers: Currently, visa interviews in some top markets can take over a year, like in Mexico City, where the current wait time is 633 days.

• Yes, but: The State Department told USA Today that the median wait time now for an interview is around seven weeks, down from 120 days last summer.

DC Health shut down the Wilson Aquatic Center last Tuesday, citing several critical violations.

Why it matters: The indoor pool in Tenleytown is one of D.C.’s largest and premier pools, periodically plagued by maintenance issues since opening in 2009.

Driving the news: A inspection report from last Tuesday stated that the pool is suspended for "not maintaining the facility in good condition by repairing structural or design defects."

• Violations include improper dehumidifier drainage and exhaust ventilation, leaking pipes, and improper sink and shower temperatures.

Worth noting: The report did state that the pool and spa water quality were “excellent."

What they’re saying: “The Department of General Services (DGS) is working on the necessary repairs and the pool will be reopened, as soon as the repairs are completed,” the District government said in a statement last Thursday.

• Poolgoers were dismayed at the sudden closure. “There’s no better pool in the city and I travel from far and many people do,” D.C. resident Karla Hoff told WUSA9.

D.C. is ending its rapid COVID test distribution at libraries and senior centers and its Test Yourself kiosks.

Why it matters: As case counts drop, some local counties, including Arlington, have sunset public COVID testing programs.

Details: D.C.'s rapid test distribution and the self-service kiosks will be suspended on Feb. 28.

• Testing and vaccines can still be accessed at D.C.’s COVID Centers, local pharmacies, and doctor’s offices.

The big picture: Use of D.C.’s public testing sites has steadily dropped over the past year, per DC Health data.

In January 2022, D.C. distributed more than 400,000 rapid antigen tests from public locations. Last month, that number dropped to around 68,800.

• A 25-year-old woman was killed in a fire at a Silver Spring apartment building on Saturday. Melanie Díaz worked on climate change issues at the Aspen Institute and was a Georgetown University graduate. (NBC4)
• The National Park Service is moving forward with a $69 million project to build an exhibit space under the Lincoln Memorial. (Washington Post)
• Anticipating the redevelopment of a longstanding shopping center, a new generation of Vietnamese Americans is hoping to preserve their community at Eden Center in Falls Church. (DCist)
• DCPS will require all students and staff to test negative for COVID-19 before returning to school after the February break on the 27th. Schools distributed tests last week and they’re also available at D.C. COVID Centers. (DCist)
• About 34% of D.C. homes sold for above asking in 2022. AU Park (58%), Michigan Park (57%), and Chevy Chase D.C. (55%) were the areas with the most homes that went over asking. (UrbanTurf)

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New Mexico apparently is trying to make roasted chile the official state aroma. It would become the first state to create one.

It made us wonder: What would D.C.'s official aroma be?

Paige’s thought bubble: My first ideas were the fresh scent of cherry blossoms, the strong stench of weed, or the unmistakable smell of a musty Metro car on a hot summer day.

• But I’m sure there are many more signature smells that represent our great town.

Reply to this email to share your ideas.